UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies

Question 90: Science and Technology

With reference to the treatment of cancerous tumours, a tool called cyberknife has been making the news. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct ?

aIt is a robotic image guided system

bIt delivers an extremely precise dose of radiation

cIt has the capability of achieving sub-millimetre accuracy

dIt can map the spread of tumour in the body

AnswerThe answer is (d).

CyberKnife is a robotic radiosurgery system: an image-guided robot arm that aims radiation beams at a tumour with sub-millimetre accuracy, delivering a precise high dose while sparing nearby healthy tissue. It treats tumours that scans have already located; it is not a diagnostic scanner. Mapping the spread of a tumour is done by imaging such as CT, MRI or PET. Remember: CyberKnife is a treatment tool, not a scanner.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: it is a robotic image-guided system.
(b) Correct: it delivers a very precise radiation dose.
(c) Correct: sub-millimetre accuracy is claimed.
(d) Right (the false statement): mapping tumour spread is done by scans, not by the CyberKnife.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.